F. Bruce Trenk, born on April 11, 1936, in Madison, Wis., passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was the cherished son of Julia and Fredrick Trenk and was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Nettie Evans Trenk, who passed away on Dec. 25, 2023.
Bruce graduated with a Bachelor of Science in microbiology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and married his high school sweetheart, Nettie, in 1958. They built a life together, raising their three daughters in Newburgh, Ind., where Bruce began his esteemed career with Mead Johnson/Bristol-Myers Squibb in 1961. He dedicated more than three decades to the field, focusing on research in hospital-grade nutrition, particularly infant formula, before retiring in 1994.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Bruce was a passionate woodworker and created stunning pieces that are treasured by his family. He lovingly crafted three cedar chests, one for each of his daughters, and a set of shaker boxes for each. His creativity and craftsmanship shone through in the cradle he built for his first grandchild, which has cradled all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His most prized creation, an 18-foot redwood strip canoe, exemplified his love for both woodworking and the great outdoors.
An avid outdoorsman, Bruce cherished camping and canoeing adventures with his family. He served as the president of the Audubon Society in Indiana, reflecting his deep commitment to conservation and nature. In 1999, he and Nettie moved to Pagosa Springs, Colo., which he considered his outdoor paradise. He joined the Outdoor Club and the Gray Wolves and immersed himself in hiking, fly-fishing, skiing and reaching mountain peaks, always sharing these experiences with family and friends.
Bruce’s volunteerism varied. He enthusiastically shared information about the many great activities and sights in the area as a volunteer at the Pagosa Visitor Center. He spent countless hours at the Wolfwood Refuge, assisting with the care of wolves and wolfdogs, helping to build shelters and socializing the animals. Additionally, Bruce had a profound interest in Native American culture, which led him to become active in the Friends of Native Cultures and the Chimney Rock Interpretive Association.
Bruce was adored and lovingly known as Gramps to his six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, who brought him immense joy and pride. He is survived by his three daughters: Sheri Skolnick (Marty), of Littleton, Colo.; Karen Mowbray (Bryce), of New Braunfels, Texas; and Jennifer Salvino (Mark), of Friday Harbor, Wash. He is also survived by his siblings, Lois Clark, of Iowa, and Hugh Trenk, of Connecticut.
The family would like to thank Dr. Amber Reiss-Holt and her staff for the years of love and care they provided our parents.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bruce’s memory to Wolfwood Refuge c/o Paula Woerner, PO Box 312, Ignacio, CO 81137 or to the Thingamajig Theater in Pagosa Springs, online at PagosaCenter.org or at 2313 Eagle Drive, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147. Bruce and Nettie had a deep appreciation for the arts and loved live theater, holding season tickets since the very first season of the Thingamajig Theater in Pagosa Springs.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his gentle spirit, dedication to family and passion for outdoor adventure. A celebration of his life will be held later, where family and friends can gather to honor this remarkable man.
